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Coconuts
and coconut oil (CNO) have been a part of Solomon life for thousands of
years. In recent years, many communities harvest their coconuts,
dry the white flesh, and sell the product as “copra”. This
copra is typically exported to countries where it is crushed for its
oil.
Pelena
is developing an integrated coconut-energy system for direct village
production of coconut oil. Copra drying houses (“Copra Haos”)
will be eliminated as oil will be extracted directly from the “raw”
coconuts in the villages. This “value adding” will allow a
greater income for the community. It will also allow for a better
quality of oil – suitable for human consumption – as the copra
drying process typically increases the rancidity of the final oil
product. There is a growing demand for this form of
“cold-pressed” CNO.
In addition to the oil extraction equipment, Pelena is also
developing the following:
